Is Ciryl Gane on track for a second UFC interim heavyweight title? With the UFC heavyweight title picture looking more muddled than ever, especially considering reigning champion Francis Ngannou’s injury and contract situation, Gane openly admitted that he has no idea. H discussed the possibility of competing for an interim title – again – at the UFC Paris post-fight press conference.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen exactly. I think nobody is knowing what’s going to happen. They had a big turnover in this division at this moment. I don’t know if there’s going to be an interim title. I don’t know when he is going to come back if he stays in the division, Francis. I don’t know when he wants to fight [or is] able to fight. I don’t know exactly, but no matter who. I say every time, anyone-anywhere. But now I’m looking for the belt, yeah.
Is Ciryl Gane On Track For Another Interim Title?
No, because I understand the UFC needs to manage this situation. It’s not easy. He has big injuries and big surgeries, so I can understand. If I don’t want to wait a long time, then yes, I’m OK with an interim title. This would put me on the first line for the belt here.”
Last time Gane held the 265-pound interim belt, he faced Ngannou in a title unifier. He lost the fight resoundingly thanks to Francis Ngannou’s dominant wrestling, an aspect of the heavyweight’s game he’d previously not showcased. Gane credited his opponent for earning the victory.
“I think Francis did very well because he had more experience, more maturity. He did really great. That’s why I don’t think he was way better than me on this day, but he did really better. If tomorrow I have my revenge, I must do better.”
Surprisingly, considering Ngannou’s reputation as a power puncher, Gane gave full props to his Paris opponent, Tai Tuivasa, as the heaviest puncher he has ever faced.
“Yeah, 100 percent. Ngannou never touched me during the fight, so it’s impossible to compare. But today, Tai Tuivasa touched me. Francis Ngannou can touch very well. That’s not a question. But today, [Tuivasa] was the first guy to put me on my ass.”
Ciryl Gane defeated popular heavyweight Tai Tuivasa by knockout at the UFC’s event in Paris over the weekend. Considering Gane’s position as #1 contender, and Tuivasa close behind at #3, it was widely viewed as a potential title shot eliminator.
Should Ciryl Gane get another interim title shot? If so, who should he face? Let us know in the comments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWZpwm_81w8
